How to see in the New Year correctly // The actual words to Auld Lang Syne

It’s New Year’s Eve, and like Christmas this brings it’s own time-honoured traditions. Mostly:

1. The whole evening will be an anti-climax
2. I will not have organised anything… AGAIN (should have read this)
3. I’ll end up watching Jools Holland’s Hoote-fucking-nanny
4. I’ll still be shit-faced, no matter where I am
5. I’ll get a bit sentimental about the year that’s just been
6. I’ll get a bit sentimental about the year ahead
7. I’ll be jealous of the London fireworks on telly and vow to see them next year (I won’t)
8. My stupid phone won’t work (thanks Orange – no really, THANKS)
9. I’ll find someone – anyone! – to snog at midnight
10. I still won’t know the words to Auld Lang Syne

Ahhh yes. Auld Lang Syne. What the bobbins is that all about, then? Penned by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788 (shame he didn’t get to make any royalties off it, Noddy Holder style, eh?), it’s traditionally (drunkenly) sung (shouted?) on new year’s eve at the stroke of midnight. The title basically means ‘for the sake of old times’ and therefore can also be sung at farewells and funerals.

In fact it’s all pretty emosh as the song questions whether it’s right to forget old times and puts a shout out (holler!) to remember long-standing friendships. Awwww.

Therefore, the meaning of Auld Lang Syne is pretty simples: it’s about friendship and memories – and having a cheeky drink to celebrate both. And we will certainly be drinking to that.

Thanks for your support in 2011 – and happy 2012! If you need someone to snog at midnight, I’ll be crying on the sofa watching Hootenanny…

Official Auld Lang Syne lyrics*

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syyyyyyne.

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup of coffee yet
For auld lang syyyyne.

And surely you’ll pint will be stewed oop
And surely I’ll be mine,
And we’ll drink a right good willy wonka
For auld lang syne.

[chorus]

We two have beat about the bush
And poured, go on it’s fine,
But we’ve pissed our money up the wall,
Since auld lang syyyyyyyyyne.

[chorus]

We two took a piddle in the barn
From morning sun till shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syyyyyne

[chorus]

And here’s a hand my trusty ferret
And gives a hand on time
And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syyyyyne.

[chorus]

*Alright. I might have made a few of the words up. Don’t pretend you don’t do it too.